Chhattisgarh U-23 Cricket Team Creates History with Maiden Semi-Final Berth in Col C K Nayudu Trophy
In a landmark achievement for cricket in the state, the Chhattisgarh under-23 team has secured a historic semi-final spot in the prestigious Col C K Nayudu Trophy for the very first time. The team clinched this milestone following a drawn quarter-final match against Rajasthan, advancing on the basis of a crucial first-innings lead at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Nava Raipur.
Quarter-Final Showdown: Chhattisgarh Outplays Rajasthan
The multi-day tournament, organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), saw Rajasthan opt to field first after winning the toss. Chhattisgarh responded by posting a competitive total of 286 runs in their opening innings. Mayank Verma anchored the innings with a solid 81, while Rahul Pradhan contributed 58 runs. Valuable cameos from Deepak Yadav (36) and Harsh Yadav (24) bolstered the score. Rajasthan's bowlers, Ganesh Suthar and Chetan Sharma, managed to claim three wickets each to keep the innings in check.
In reply, Rajasthan struggled against a disciplined Chhattisgarh bowling attack, being bundled out for just 181 runs in 75.5 overs. Sachin Yadav top-scored with 75 runs, but it was Varun Singh Bhuie who stole the show with a match-turning six-wicket haul, dismantling the Rajasthan batting lineup.
Second Innings and Match Outcome
Building on a substantial 105-run first-innings lead, Chhattisgarh further solidified their position by amassing 284 runs in their second essay. Mayank Verma continued his rich vein of form, scoring an impressive 90 runs, while skipper Deepak Yadav struck a composed 84. Facing a stiff target, Rajasthan's chase was cut short as they reached 84 for 5 in just 11 overs before the match concluded in a draw. Dev Aditya Singh delivered a fiery spell, picking up four wickets for Chhattisgarh.
By virtue of the first-innings advantage, Chhattisgarh advanced to the semi-final stage, where they are set to face formidable opponents Tamil Nadu from March 1 to 4 at the same venue in Nava Raipur. Mayank Verma was deservedly adjudged the Player of the Match for his consistent and impactful performances with the bat throughout the contest.
Season Highlights: Batting and Bowling Prowess
At the top of the batting charts, Mayank Verma has been the backbone of the Chhattisgarh lineup, accumulating 579 runs in five matches, including one century and four fifties. Ayush Pandey has been equally imposing, amassing 489 runs at an astounding average of 98, featuring three centuries. Solid support in the middle order has come from Shobhit Sharma (451 runs) and Rahul Pradhan (419 runs), with Sahil Rajat Shariff and Harsh Sahu also chipping in with crucial contributions.
With the ball, Varun Singh Bhuie has led the charge, taking 36 wickets at an impressive average of 17. He has been ably supported by Deepak Yadav (31 wickets) and Prashant Sai Painkra (21 wickets). Additional contributions have come from Mayank Yadav (13 wickets), Vasudev Bareth (11 wickets), and Dev Aditya Singh (10 wickets), all playing pivotal roles in the team's success this season.
